Owatonna football is back into the Section 1-5A final after making it all the way to the state semifinals at U.S. Bank Stadium last year. To the surprise of many, the Huskies host the title game after Rochester Century upset top seed Northfield in Saturday's semifinals.

The football field will be put to use for the second time since the October 6 game won by Owatonna over Century 46-7. That night, after a full day of rain, the sod in the middle of the field became loose. Owatonna's answer was to give the ball to running back Jason Williamson and get outside the hash marks. He ran for a school record 343 yards.

Statistics compiled by KRFO's Brad Fischer that night, showed that 23 of his 28 carries were for less than ten yards. One was for ten yards. The other carries went for scoring runs of 35, 80, 72 and 86 yards.

Century's defense has set the stage for their appearance in the finals for the first time since 2010. Their only touchdown in a 7-6 win over Rochester Mayo came on a pick-six. Against Northfield the Panthers forced seven turnovers including four interceptions.

The winner of Friday's game advances to the state quarterfinals on Saturday November 11 at Lakeville North High School. State semifinals and finals are at U.S. Bank Stadium.

There is still time to pick up your Owatonna touchdown towel and be ready to wave it Friday night.

1

One Score or Less

The Huskies have held six of their opponents, including Rochester Century, to one score or less. Three of those were by shutout.

Roy Koenig/Townsquare Media

2

Seven in a row

Owatonna has won seven straight over Rochester Century and leads the overall series 17-7, including a 4-0 mark in playoff meetings.

Mark Stahl

3

Two Wins, Three Points

Rochester Century has won their two playoff games by a total of three points, beating Rochester Mayo 7-6 and Northfield 14-12.

TSM

4

7 out of 11

The Huskies are in the section finals for the seventh time in the last 11 years. Titles resulted in 2012, 2013 and 2016.

Brad Fischer / Townsquare Media

5

No. 1, No. 2, No. 3

The assault on the OHS record book continues. Abe Havelka is tops in all-time passing touchdowns and second in yards, Noah Budach is second in career catches and Jason Williamson is third on the career rushing list, but has scored a school-record 29 touchdowns this season.